JP2002351806A - Chat information, information recording medium, computer system, and server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more comprehensibly express emotion and the like contained in a statement in chatting through a network. SOLUTION: A statement and motion setting part 212 generates chat data attached with statement information to be inputted from an operation part 10, and a motion number, and then, outputs an instruction to a communication part 40 to send the chat data to other game system via a server system when an instruction to send chat data is inputted from the operation part 10. In receiving chat data from other game system, a character motion part 216 reads motion data corresponding to the motion number attached to the chat data and decides the motion of the applicable character.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to chat information, an information storage medium, a computer system, and a server system for chatting via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a conversation system called a chat, in which a plurality of players exchange messages by connecting a plurality of devices via a network and can have a conversation in real time, has been known.

In recent years, a network game of a type in which a plurality of game apparatuses are connected via a network and a plurality of players simultaneously share the same game space and enjoy playing, has been developed. In some types of network games, chat can be executed. That is, each player operates the own player character to move in the game space, and develops the game according to the game scenario.
Since a plurality of players share the same game space, other players may encounter another player character during the game execution. In such a case, there is a case where players can communicate with each other by transmitting a message in real time to another game device that operates the other player character encountered.

[0004]

[0006] In the conventional chat system, a text message (sentence or word) is exchanged between devices. That is, each device capable of chatting transmits and receives a message, and displays the message on a screen in real time. In this way, the interesting part of chatting is that you can enjoy text conversation at a good tempo. Thus, many players are concerned with creating messages as quickly as possible, and the sentences themselves are often relatively short. For this reason, in a chat, it has been difficult to convey the nuances, subtle emotions, impressions, and the like that the player wants to convey to the opponent accurately.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to express emotions and the like included in remarks more easily when chatting via a network.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A computer (for example, the game system 1304-2 to n shown in FIG. 1) and a network (for example, the network shown in FIG. 1) that operate the player character and operate the other player characters by calculation and control by the processor. 1308) to a computer system (e.g., the game system 1304-1 shown in FIG. 1) for performing chat via the input unit (e.g., the operation unit 1 shown in FIG. 5).
0) and operation input means for inputting an operation pattern of the player character (for example, the operation unit 10 shown in FIG. 5).
Transmitting means for transmitting chat data including the utterance information input by the input means and the operation pattern input by the operation input means to the other computer system (for example, the communication unit 40 shown in FIG. 5) Receiving means for receiving chat data transmitted from the other computer system (for example, the communication unit 40 shown in FIG. 5)
Output means for outputting utterance information included in the chat data received by the receiving means (for example, character display unit 214, image generation unit 230, and display unit 30 shown in FIG. 5)
Operating means for displaying the other player character based on the operating pattern included in the chat data received by the receiving means (for example, the character operating section 216, the image generating section 230, and the display section 3 shown in FIG. 5).
0) and chat information for making the function work.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer system (for example, a game system 1304-2 to n shown in FIG. 1) and a network (for example, FIG. 1) for operating a player character and operating another player character. 1 is a computer system (for example, the game system 1304-1 shown in FIG. 1) for chatting via the network 1308 shown in FIG. 1 and an input means (for example, the operation unit 10 shown in FIG. 5) for inputting comment information. And operation input means for inputting an operation pattern of the player character (for example, the operation unit 10 shown in FIG. 5), utterance information input by the input means, and an operation pattern input by the operation input means. Transmission means for transmitting the chat data to the other computer system (for example, the communication means shown in FIG. 5) Unit 40), receiving means (for example, the communication unit 40 shown in FIG. 5) for receiving the chat data transmitted from the other computer system, and outputting the utterance information included in the chat data received by the receiving means. Output means (for example, the character display unit 21 shown in FIG. 5)
4, an image generation unit 230 and a display unit 30) and an operation unit (for example, a character operation unit shown in FIG. 5) that displays the other player's operation based on an operation pattern included in the chat data received by the reception unit. 2
16, the image generation unit 230, and the display unit 30).

Here, the output of the comment information may be output by character display using a display or a monitor, or may be audio output by a speaker or the like. Also,
Both may be used. Also, the method of inputting utterance information may be a method such as text (character) input using a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or the like, writing input using a dedicated pen or the like, or voice input using a voice recognition function. Good.

The statement information transmitted and received as chat data may be text data or voice data of the content of the statement, or may be an identification number assigned to the text data or voice data. . That is,
Each computer system may store in advance the content of a statement (text, voice data, etc.) in association with an identification number, and may transmit and receive the identification number of the statement through a network. Similarly, the operation pattern transmitted and received as part of the chat data may be motion data for operating the player character, or may be an identification number assigned to the motion data.

According to the first or thirteenth aspect, during execution of a chat via a network, when a player inputs the contents of remarks and transmits them to another computer system, the operation target of the player is changed. Is specified, and can be transmitted together with the input utterance information. On the other hand, the computer system that has received the utterance information and the operation pattern of the other player character can output the received utterance content and operate the other player character according to the operation pattern. In other words, by executing a chat involving not only characters but also character actions, emotions and impressions that cannot be expressed only by words can be expressed. In addition, since expression by motion is possible, for example, when players using different languages are chatting with each other, even if the language of the other party cannot be understood, it is possible to convey the motion by the character.

The form of realizing a network among a plurality of computer systems may be a so-called peer-to-peer form in which individual computer systems function equally, or a form in which a server system is interposed. I don't care. For example, as in the invention according to claim 14, means for transmitting utterance information and the action code of the player character, means for receiving given information, means for outputting the received utterance information, A first and a second computer system comprising means for causing another player character to perform a motion display based on the motion information; and a server system connected via a given communication line. A storage unit that stores the operation information in association with the operation code, the utterance information transmitted from the first computer system, a reception unit that receives the operation code, and the operation information stored by the storage unit, Extracting means for extracting operation information corresponding to the received operation code, and the operation information extracted by the extracting means, With serial speech information, and transmitting means for transmitting to said second computer system, may include a.

Further, as in the second aspect of the present invention, in the chat information of the first aspect, the operation pattern and a given operation input are stored in the computer system in association with each other. Information for causing the selection method storage means to function, and a function for causing the operation input means to function as if the given operation input was determined to be an input of a corresponding operation pattern. And information. Here, the operation input may be a key input using a keyboard or the like, a shortcut input, or an input method of selecting a display object displayed on the screen using a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. It doesn't matter. Note that a key is meant to include characters and symbols and special characters and symbols.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation pattern can be input by key input. That is, in the case where the content of a comment is input using a keyboard, the operation pattern can also be specified using the keyboard. In this way, by associating the operation pattern with the key input, it is possible to execute the means for inputting the comment content and the means for specifying the operation by the same means. Therefore, since the transmission content can be determined without changing the input method of the utterance and the action, in the message exchange (chat) performed in real time, the player can quickly input a message including the action of the character. Can be.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the chat information according to the second aspect, a display object that stores the operation pattern and a given display object in the computer system in association with each other. Information for causing the storage means to function, and for the operation input means, when it is determined that the given display object has been selected, the corresponding operation pattern is regarded as being input. Information may be included. Here, the display object is
Icons displayed on the screen, shortcut icons,
It is intended to include a display body such as each item by a pull-down display.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, each operation pattern is stored in association with a display object. Therefore, the player can designate an operation pattern by selecting and operating a display object. For example, by displaying a display object on a screen and setting it so that it can be selected with a pointing device such as a mouse, the player does not need to store keys and specification methods for specifying individual operation patterns, An action to be executed by the character can be designated by simply selecting a display object displayed on the screen.

Note that when displaying objects corresponding to individual operation patterns on a screen, the number of displayed objects is limited. For example, when the number (type) of operation patterns is large, the number of display objects also increases in accordance with the number of operation patterns, and the display objects must be displayed on the entire screen. This not only hinders chatting, but may also burden the player by selecting a desired one of the many displayed objects. Therefore, as in the invention according to claim 4, in the chat information according to claim 3, the means for displaying the display object on the computer system is changed and displayed according to a given condition. Means may be included. Here, the change display is
This includes not only a form in which the display object displayed on the screen is completely switched, but also a form in which an icon or the like is displayed in a predetermined window and a default display position is changed when scrolling is displayed by a scroll bar or the like. is there. Further, it is needless to say that the type of the display object to be displayed may be changed based on the operation input from the changed and displayed state.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the display object can be displayed and the type of the display object to be displayed can be switched according to a given condition. For example, instead of displaying the display objects corresponding to all the operation patterns on the screen, it is possible to display the display objects of the operation pattern suitable for the place (matching the conditions). Therefore, the player is free from troublesome work of searching for a display object and can quickly specify an operation pattern. For example, when the user participates in the chat, when the number of participants in the chat increases, or the like, conditions are set, and when such a condition is satisfied, a display of a motion pattern for greeting is displayed.
Then, when the utterance information is exchanged two or three times counted from when the condition is satisfied, the display is switched to a display object of another operation pattern, and so on. Can be realized.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the chat information according to the second aspect of the present invention, the action input means can be selected according to given conditions. It may include information for restricting the operation pattern and causing it to function.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the types of operation patterns that can be selected by the player can be restricted according to given conditions. For example, when the chat system according to the present invention is employed as part of a network game, the number of selectable operation patterns or Types can be restricted. As described above, by restricting the selectable operation patterns according to the conditions, it is expected that the fun of the game is doubled and that the chat conversation is further resilient.

[0020] In the chat information according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, as in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the sequence information indicating a procedure for outputting utterance information and an operation pattern is transmitted to the transmitting means. The information to be transmitted as included in the chat data, the output of the utterance information by the output means to the computer system, and the display of the character action by the action means are received by the reception means. And information for causing the control unit to perform control based on the sequence information included in the chat data.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, sequence information for designating the output order of the utterance information and the operation pattern can be attached to the chat data transmitted to another computer system. In other words, the player can input the contents of remarks and specify an operation pattern, and further can specify the output order of these. For example, or to the bow after was he said "Hello" to the appropriate character, or to speak with the "Hello" while the bow, after the bow "Hello"
Can be specified. Therefore, the player can not only enjoy the combination of the comment and the action, but also enhance the impression given to the chat partner by devising the output order.

In a chat, information exchange with the other party is performed at a good tempo, so that the interest and conversation may be doubled. However, when a message is created by inputting the contents of a comment, selecting an operation pattern, and further specifying the output procedure, the time required for message creation becomes longer, especially as the more elaborate message is created. , There is a risk that the chat partner will be bored.

In order to solve such a problem, a message template may be created in advance and stored in a computer system. That is, like the invention according to claim 7, in the chat information according to the invention according to claim 6,
Information for causing the computer system to function at least a storage unit for storing a series of speech patterns composed of three pieces of information of speech information, an operation pattern, and sequence information; Transmitting chat information including the behavior pattern selected by the behavior pattern selection means to the transmission means, the information for causing the behavior pattern selection means to select the behavior pattern stored in the storage means; And information for functioning as described above. Here, the speech pattern transmitted by the transmission means may be an identification number for identifying each speech pattern, statement information, an operation pattern,
And sequence information.

Also, in view of the operational psychology of the player, it is sometimes desirable that the action is performed by the character in the order in which the content of the remark or the motion pattern is input. Therefore, in the chat information according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention, as in the eighth aspect of the invention, the sequence information includes an input of utterance information by the input unit and an input of an operation pattern by the operation input unit. The information may be information based on the input procedure as follows. As described above, since the output procedure is determined according to the input procedure, the player does not need to set the sequence information indicating the output procedure, and the chat data can be set more quickly.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the chat information according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a given output control code is included in the utterance information for the input means. If the given output control code is included in the utterance information for the output means, the output mode of the utterance information or And / or information for functioning to change the output speed.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the player can set the output mode and / or the output speed of the comment information. Therefore, for example, by changing the output speed, “between” in the utterance of the character can be expressed. Also, by setting the output mode, for example, the size, font, color, and the like of the display characters when the utterance information is displayed as characters are changed, and the volume and the pitch when the utterance information is output as voice are changed. can do.

In a chat, when a comment accompanied by the action of a character is executed, the action is waited until the end of the action.
You may want to display the next statement. For example, when to bow while he said "Hello", after the operation of the bow has been completed, there is a case that you want to move to the next remark.
Alternatively, there is a case where the user wants to end the remark at the same time as the end of the operation. For example, in some cases you want to speak with the "Hello" in the time period from the start to the end of the operation of the bow. In such a case, it is desirable to adjust the output timing and speed of the utterance according to the type of operation to be performed. Therefore, claim 10
The chat information according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the chat information according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is transmitted to the output unit in accordance with an operation pattern included in the chat data received by the reception unit. Output mode or /
And information for functioning to change the output speed. Thus, by changing the output speed of the utterance information according to the motion pattern, the utterance and the motion of the character can be synchronized.

[0028] In the chat information according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, as in the eleventh aspect, the chat data received by the receiving means for the computer system is included. The content of the utterance information may be analyzed, and the information may include information for causing the means for displaying the action of the character based on the action pattern according to the content to function.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, even when a motion pattern is not input, a character can be motion-displayed in a motion pattern corresponding to the contents of the utterance information. For example, a word or a sentence is associated with an operation pattern in advance and stored, and when utterance information including the word or the sentence is received, the corresponding operation pattern can be executed. Therefore, the player who inputs the contents of the remark can automatically execute the chat with the operation without selecting the operation pattern.

The invention described above may be applied not only to a chat in which characters are displayed, but also to a case where a chat is executed as part of a network game. For example, in a game in which a plurality of players share the same game space at the same time, information may be exchanged between the players. That is, when one player character encounters another player character in the game space, each player inputs text using a keyboard or the like, exchanges greetings, speaks a small talk, and exchanges information about game contents. There is. Of course, in such a network game, the above invention may be applied.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an information storage medium for storing chat information according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects may be realized.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Further, in the present embodiment, description will be given assuming that the present invention is applied to a game generally called a network game. As a form of realizing a network game, for example, a form in which a personal computer or a home game device installed at home is used as a game system and connected to a server system through an electric communication line such as the Internet network or a dedicated line network, A game system is physically combined to form a single system (for example, a business game system) as a whole, or a plurality of game systems are connected to each other by an electric communication line, and a master unit and a slave unit are connected to each other. , A configuration in which each game system functions equally (peer-to-peer type), a configuration in which one of the connected game systems functions as a server, and the like. The present invention can be applied to any of the forms. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a form in which a game system and a server system are connected by a given electric communication line.

In the following, the present invention will be described by using a network R
The present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to a chat in a PG (a role-playing game (RPG) in which a plurality of players simultaneously share and enjoy the same game space via a network and is a role-playing game). Is not limited to this.

FIG. 1 shows that a server system 1302 and a plurality of game systems 1304-1 to 1304-1-n are connected to a network 13
08 (a small-sized network such as a LAN, a wide-area network such as the Internet, a public network, a dedicated line network, a mobile communication network, or any other form of telecommunications line). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a network system 1300, in which each game system 13
04-1 to 04-n transmit / receive various information to / from another game system via the server system 1302, and execute a game. Then, the player of each game system 1304 enjoys the game while communicating with the player of the other game system 1304 by transmitting and receiving word (character) information and operation information.

Specific examples of realizing the game system 1304 include a home game device, a home game system,
A portable game device, a business game device, a business game system, a personal computer, a portable terminal (including a portable telephone), a kiosk terminal, and the like can be given. Hereinafter, a personal computer will be described as an example of the game system 1304.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show examples of display screens displayed on the display of the game system 1304. FIG. 2A shows an example of a screen displayed on the game system 1304-1 (a game system for operating the character 1). As shown in FIG. 2A, a character input area 4 and an icon group 8 (hereinafter referred to as an operation icon group 8) for selecting an operation content to be executed by the character are displayed on the screen. Character input area 4
An area for displaying characters input by a keyboard or the like, and in particular, character 1 (own player character)
Is an area to be displayed when a character to be spoken is input. In the operation icon group 8, operation icons 8-1 to 8-4 indicating a plurality of types of operations are displayed.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a plurality of operation icon groups 8 shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, each of the operation icons 8-1 to 8-4
, A still image indicating the operation is displayed. In addition,
Each of the operation icons 8-1 to 8-4 is linked to motion data. That is, when one action icon is selected by the player, the corresponding motion data is read out and transmitted to the game system that operates the character 2 together with the utterance information input by the player. As a method for the player to select one operation icon from the operation icon group 8, for example, a desired operation icon 8 can be selected using a pointing device or the like.
Click to select from -1 to 4. FIG.
(A), the "Hello!" To the character input region 4 is input, shows a case where the action icon 8-1 to the bow has been selected. In the figure, the selected operation icon 8-1 is clearly indicated by a bold frame for convenience.

As described above, the input utterance information (text data) and the selected motion information (motion data) are used as chat data to operate the chat partner character 2 via the server 1302 (for example, a game system). It is transmitted to the game system 1302-2) shown in FIG. In the following, each operation icon is associated with an identification number for identifying each motion (hereinafter referred to as a motion number). When one action icon is selected by the player, the motion number assigned to the action icon is added to the chat data and transmitted to the opponent's game system 1304-2. On the other hand, each motion data is stored in association with each motion number. That is, the game system 1304-2 that has received the motion number can read out the motion data corresponding to the received motion number and cause the corresponding character to perform an action. Note that the game system on the side that transmitted the chat data (that is, the game system 1302-1) also displays the utterance information input by the player after transmitting the chat data, and executes the selected action on the character 1. Let it.

In the following, it is assumed that only one operation can be selected for one transmission of utterance information. That is, one motion number is attached to the chat data related to one transmission together with the comment information.
Then, the game system that has received the chat data displays the received utterance information, and at the same time, causes the corresponding character to execute an operation corresponding to the received motion number.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show that the character 1
It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen which says the input word on the display screen shown to (a), and performs the selected operation | movement (for example, operation | movement of bow). FIG. 3 is an example of a display screen in the game system 1304-1 that operates the character 1, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the game system 1304-2 that operates the character 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the character 1
Performs the operation selected by the player in the game system 1304-1. At this time, the comment display area 6 (for example, a balloon-shaped area) is displayed.
Then, the character (utterance information) input to the character input area 4
Is displayed in the utterance display area 6 as the utterance of the character 1. In the following, the display period of the comment display area 6 is
It is the time from the start of a series of actions of the character 1 to the end. That is, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the processing system of each game system 1304-1 and 2 is the character 1
When the bow is started, the utterance display area 6 is displayed, and when the bow is finished, the display of the utterance display area 6 is ended.

As described above, during the execution of the chat,
A character and a character message (speech information) can be displayed, and the character can perform a desired operation. Therefore, it is possible to express an emotion that cannot be conveyed only by the text message, or to emphasize the impression of the text message by the action of the character. For example, (while standing still) character without action "Hello!" As compared with the case to speak and, while performing the operation of the bow in the case to speak with the "Hello!" Is, the other more polite impression This can be given to the player of the game system.

In a network game of a type in which a plurality of players share the same game space at the same time, a character operated by a player using a different language may be encountered in the game space. That is,
Even if a chat is started upon encountering another character, the language displayed in the utterance display area 6 of the opponent character may not be understood, and the players may feel itchy. According to the present invention, even in such a case, the player can understand the emotion that the opponent wants to convey through the action of the character. For example, if the language used by the opponent player is not a Japanese, even speaking the character 1 and "Hello!", But there may not be understood by the other player, character 1 or a bow, By performing an operation such as waving a hand, it is possible to convey that a greeting is being made.

Next, functions that can realize the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the game system 1304-1 in the present embodiment. According to the figure, the functional blocks of the game system 1304-1 include the operation unit 10, the processing unit 20, the display unit 30, the communication unit 40, and the storage unit 50.
The display unit 30 is a functional unit that displays a game image generated by the image generation unit 230.

The operation unit 10 is used to input various operation instructions in the game, input characters to be uttered by the character to be operated, select an operation to be executed by the character to be operated, and input instructions such as chat data transmission instructions. And a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse provided with character keys, cursor keys, numeric input keys, and various function keys. The player inputs operation data using a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. The operation data obtained by the operation unit 10 is output to the processing unit 20.

The processing unit 20 controls the entire system, instructs each block in the system according to a game program 510 stored in the storage unit 50 and an operation instruction input from the operation unit 10, It performs various processing such as processing, image processing, and sound processing.
C-type or RISC-type CPU, DSP, I for image capture
It can be realized by hardware such as C and a memory. The processing unit 20 mainly includes a game calculation unit 210 and an image generation unit 230.

The game calculation unit 210 performs a process of executing a game in accordance with the operation data and the game program 510 input from the operation unit 10, and remarks and motion numbers in accordance with the operation data and the chat program 512 input from the operation unit 10. Is determined, and chat data is generated.
Game system 1304 to be a chat partner via
A process of transmitting the generated chat data to -2-n, a process of causing the own player character to make a speech and an action based on the determined speech information and the motion number,
Other game systems 1304-2 to n by the communication unit 40
When the utterance information and the motion number transmitted from are received, processing such as processing for causing the corresponding opponent player character to perform an utterance and an action in accordance with the utterance information and the motion number is performed. More specifically, the game calculation section 210 includes a character operation section 216, a behavior setting section 212, and a character display section 214.

When the operation data (for example, input information such as a keyboard) is input from the operation unit 10, the behavior setting unit 212 determines the operation data. If the operation data is a signal that specifies a character (that is, utterance information) according to the determination result, the specified utterance information is output to the image generation unit 230 and displayed in the character input area 4. At that time, the behavior setting unit 212 outputs an instruction to display the action icon group 8 to the image generation unit 230. That is, when a character is input from the operation unit 10, the behavior setting unit 212 causes the image generation unit 230 to display the input character in the character input area 4 and to display the operation icon group 8.

[0049] The behavior setting unit 212 executes a process of generating chat data. Specifically, when the verbal setting unit 212 determines that a character has been input based on the operation data input from the operation unit 10, the information of the input character is stored in a temporary storage memory such as a RAM. It stores and generates utterance information. On the other hand, the operation data input from the operation unit 10 is determined, and when it is determined that one operation icon is selected, the motion number corresponding to the selected operation icon is read and stored in the temporary storage memory. Further, when an instruction to transmit the utterance information and the motion number is input from the operation unit 10, the utterance information and the motion number stored in the temporary storage memory, and the character number for identifying each character are changed. Attaching to the account information of the game system to be a chat partner (that is, information for specifying the transmission destination of the generated chat data), the chat data is generated, and the transmitting unit 4
Output to 0.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the motion data 520. Although only one piece of motion data 520 is shown in the figure for simplicity of explanation, actually, the number of motion data is necessary. According to the drawing, one motion number (M1) is stored in the motion data 520 in association with each other. In the motion data 520, angle information for each joint of the character is stored for each key frame (first key frame, second key frame,...). If the joint structures of all the characters appearing in the game space are the same, as shown in the figure, the movement of various characters having different sizes and shapes is specified by specifying the angle information of each joint of the character. be able to. Therefore, each of the game systems 1304-1 to 1304-1-n can realize the same motion for all the characters by one motion data.

Character display unit 214 is attached to chat data when a signal indicating that chat data has been transmitted from communication unit 40 or when chat data has been received from another game system 1304. A process of outputting an instruction to display the utterance information (or stored in the temporary storage memory) in the utterance display area 6 to the image generation unit 230 is executed. Furthermore, the character display unit 214 counts the time during which the comment display area 6 is displayed, and outputs an instruction to the image generation unit 230 to end the display of the comment display area 6. At this time, the character display unit 214 reads the motion data 520 corresponding to the motion number attached to the chat data, and determines the motion data 520 according to the number of key frames stored in the read motion data 520 and the number of frames between key frames. The time required for the operation is determined.

The display position of the comment display area 6 is near the head of the corresponding character. That is, when game system 1304-1 has transmitted the chat data, character display unit 214 places utterance display area 6 near the head of the player character (that is, the character operated by game system 1304-1). indicate.
On the other hand, when game system 1304-1 receives the chat data, character display unit 214 displays utterance display area 6 near the head of the character corresponding to the character number attached to the received chat data. .

The character operation section 216 is a functional section that controls the operation of the corresponding character based on the motion data. That is, when game system 1304-1 transmits chat data, character operation section 216 controls the movement of the player character based on motion data 520 corresponding to the motion number stored in the temporary storage memory. On the other hand, when the game system 1304-1 receives the chat data, the motion of the character corresponding to the character number attached to the chat data is determined based on the motion data corresponding to the motion number attached to the chat data. Control.

More specifically, the character operation section 216
When the motion data corresponding to the designated motion number is read from the storage unit 50, each joint of the corresponding character is rotated according to the angle information of each key frame stored in the motion data. At this time, the character motion unit 216 performs a process of interpolating the motion of the character in the frame between the key frames. For example, if an interval of 5 frames is set between two key frames that are adjacent to each other, the angle difference between the joints in the two key frames is calculated, and one key frame is shifted by 2 between the five key frames. Rotate each joint so that it changes smoothly to the key frame of. Further, it determines the coordinates of each joint that changes with the rotation of each joint, and outputs the coordinate data to the image generation unit 230. Note that the interval between the joints differs for each character, and detailed data such as the distance between the joints and the positional relationship between the joints is stored as character data in association with a character number in the storage unit 5.
0 (not shown).

The image generation unit 230 includes a game operation unit 210
Command signals, various coordinate data, character information,
Based on the above, a process for generating a game image is executed, and is realized by hardware such as a CPU, a DSP, an IC dedicated to image generation, and a memory. For example, the image generation unit 230 displays the character information input from the behavior setting unit 212 in the character input area 4, and sets the operation icon group 8
A process of generating an image in which is displayed at the edge of the screen, the statement display area 6 is displayed at a designated place in accordance with an instruction input from the character display unit 214, and statement information is displayed in the statement display area 6. Processing such as processing for generating an image and processing for generating an image in which the corresponding character is operated based on the coordinate data input from the character operation unit 216 are executed.

The communication unit 40 is connected to another game system 130.
4-2 to n and a functional unit for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the server system 1302. For example, when chat data is input from the behavior setting unit 212, the communication unit 40 transmits the chat data to the server system 1302 according to a predetermined communication standard. On the other hand, the communication unit 40 is connected from the server system 1302 to another game system 1304-2.
When the game data is received, the game system 1
Each of the functional units 304-1 is converted into a processable form and output to the processing unit 20.

The storage unit 50 stores motion data 520 in addition to the game program 510. The function of the storage unit 50 is a CD-ROM, a game cassette, an IC,
It can be realized by hardware such as a card, MO, FD, DVD, hard disk, and memory. As mentioned above,
The processing unit 20 performs various processes based on programs, data, and the like stored in the storage unit 50. The game program 510 includes information on a game scenario and each character, information for determining the operation of each character or object related to operation data from the operation unit 10, and information for generating an image in accordance with the progress of the game. Information such as information for determining the position of the viewpoint is included. Further, the game program 510 includes a chat program 512 that enables a chat with another game system 1304-2 to n through a network.

Next, an example of the operation relating to the chat processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the game calculation section 210 determines whether or not chat data has been received from another game system 1304-2-n (step S1). If the chat data has been received, the process proceeds to step S9. on the other hand,
If no chat data has been received, the behavior setting unit 212 determines whether character information has been input from the operation unit 10 (step S2). If the character information is not input, the process proceeds to step S1 until the chat data is received or the character is input.
The process of steps S1 and S2 is repeated, and when a character is input, the operation icon group 8 is displayed (step S3). Note that the player can always input and delete characters from Step S2 to Step S6 until the transmission instruction is input.
Each time a character is input from the operation unit 10 or each time an instruction to delete the character is input, the utterance information in the temporary storage memory is changed.

Next, the behavior setting section 212 determines whether or not one operation icon has been selected from the operation icon group 8 (step S4). If no operation icon is selected, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, when one operation icon is selected, the motion number corresponding to the selected operation icon is stored in the temporary storage memory (step S5).

Further, the game calculation section 210 is provided with the operation section 10
Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction to transmit chat data has been input (step S6). If no transmission instruction has been input, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, when the transmission instruction is input, the chat data in which the utterance information and the motion number stored in the temporary storage memory and the character number of the own player character are attached to the account information is generated (step S7). Then, the generated chat data is output to the communication unit 40 and transmitted to the server system 1302 (step S8).

When the transmission of the chat data is completed in step S8, or when the chat data is received from another game system 1304-2-n in step S1, the utterance information attached to the chat data is displayed. Further, the action corresponding to the motion number is executed by the corresponding character (step S9), and the process ends.

Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the game system 1304 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the device shown in FIG.
U1000, ROM 1002, RAM 1004, information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1
010 and I / O ports 1012 and 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be input and output therebetween. The image generation IC 1010 includes the display device 10
18 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008 and the speaker 10
20, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data, sound data, play data, and the like, and the storage unit 50 in FIG. 5 corresponds to this. For example, when the system that realizes the present embodiment is a computer, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or the like is used as the information storage medium 1006 that stores a game program and the like.
In the case of a home game device, a game cassette or the like is used in addition to the above. In the case where the game device is realized as an arcade game device, a memory such as a ROM or a hard disk is used.
M1002.

The control device 1022 is a keyboard,
The device corresponds to a pointing device, a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of the game, and corresponds to the operation unit 10 shown in FIG.

A program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, the control apparatus 102
The CPU 1000 controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing in accordance with a signal or the like input from the device 2. The processing unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 5 corresponds to the CPU 1000. The RAM 1004 is storage means used as a work area or the like of the CPU 1000, and stores given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, calculation results of the CPU 1000, and the like.

Further, this apparatus is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that game sounds and game images can be suitably output. The sound generation IC 1008 includes the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 100
2 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM music based on the information stored in the storage device 2, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM 1004, a ROM 100
2. An integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display device 1018 based on image information sent from the information storage medium 1006 or the like. In addition, the display device 1018
This is realized by an RT, LCD, TV, plasma display, liquid crystal plasma display, projector, or the like. The display unit 30 illustrated in FIG. 5 corresponds to the display device 1018.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another device to send and receive given information corresponding to a game program or the like, and to perform communication. It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a line. The communication unit 40 illustrated in FIG. 5 corresponds to the communication device 1024.

The various processing described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 includes an information storage medium 1006 storing a program for performing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, a CPU 1000 operating according to the program, an image Generation I
C1010, a sound generation IC 1008, and the like. The processing performed by the image generation IC 1010 and the like is C
The processing may be performed by software using the PU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

As described above, according to the present invention, the character can be moved together with the utterance, so that it is possible to express subtle emotions that cannot be words. Also,
Since expression by motion is possible, for example, when players using different languages are playing each other, even if they cannot be understood only by words (characters), communication can be achieved by character motion. .

The present invention is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the player selects an operation by displaying an operation icon, but it is not necessary to limit the means for selecting an operation to an icon.
Other display modes may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, all the operation icons corresponding to the operation patterns are fixedly displayed on the screen. However, when many types of operation patterns are prepared, all the operation icons are displayed. Needless to say, it is needless to say that the display can be changed and displayed according to the input instruction of the player.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation contents are displayed on the window screen. According to FIG.
Items 62-1 to 6-4 indicating the contents of each operation are displayed in 0. By operating the scroll bar 60a displayed on the left side with a pointing device such as a mouse, the player can scroll and display each of the items 62-1 to 6-4 in the window. Each item 62-
By clicking 1-4, the corresponding operation can be designated. As described above, by using the window screen, all selectable operation contents can be displayed within a limited screen range.

Further, the operation icons and the like displayed on the screen may be changed in accordance with the timing of the progress of the game, the status of the chat, the passage of time, and the like. For example, in a network RPG or the like, a plurality of player characters may form a party and chat. In such a case, the type of action icon displayed on the screen is changed according to the place in the game space where the party is formed, the number of characters constituting the party, the situation of the game facing the party, etc.
The selectable operation content may be changed, or the default display position may be changed when a plurality of operation icons are scroll-displayed on the window screen. Of course, not only the place where the organized party exists and the situation to be faced, but also the action that can be selected according to the place and situation where the individual character exists, and the type of action icon displayed on the screen are changed Is also good.

Alternatively, in a network game or the like, the number and types of usable operation patterns may be changed according to the score in the game. For example, a player with a lower score may have fewer types of actions that can be specified in a chat, and a player with a higher score may be able to specify more motion patterns. Alternatively, the number and types of available motions may be changed according to the number of chat conversations (ie, the number of transmissions and receptions).

When the type of operation icons to be displayed and the types of selectable operations are changed according to conditions such as a place and a situation in the game space, individual motion numbers and operation icons are associated with various conditions. And memorize it. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the condition correspondence table 64 storing motion numbers for each condition. In the case of displaying a display such as an operation icon using the condition correspondence table 64 as shown in the figure, when a character is input during a chat, the condition correspondence table 64 is read to search for a condition that is satisfied. And displaying an operation icon corresponding to the motion number corresponding to the searched condition.

In the above description, it has been described that when transmitting chat data, the player inputs characters and further selects an action to generate chat data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, a template in which utterance information and a motion number are combined in advance may be stored in the storage unit 50 so that the player can freely select this.

FIG. 11 shows behavior pattern data 66 storing a combination pattern of speech information and a motion number.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of FIG. According to the figure, a registration number, statement information,
The motion numbers are stored in association with each other. For example, the speech information of "Hello!", A combination of the motion number "M1" has been registered in association with the registration number "# 1". In this case, when "# 1" is input by the player, the behavior setting section 212 in the present embodiment reads the behavior pattern data 66, reads the corresponding utterance information and motion number, and temporarily stores them in the temporary storage memory. To memorize. Then, when a transmission instruction is input, chat data is generated and output to communication unit 10. In other words, the player, only to enter the "# 1", and the word "Hello!", Motion number M
1 operation can be designated.

According to FIG. 11, a plurality of utterance information, motion numbers, and output order are registered for one registration number. Specifically, for the registration number “# 2”, a combination of the utterance information of “Yaah!” And the motion number M2 and a combination of the utterance information of “Hello.” And the motion number M3 are set. The output order is set for each combination. That is, when "# 2" is input by the player, the behavior setting unit 212 reads out the combination of the relevant utterance information and the motion number from the behavior pattern data 66, temporarily attaches a flag for determining the output order, and temporarily stores the combination. Store it temporarily in memory. In other words, according to the setting,
By simply inputting "# 2", the player can specify a plurality of remark contents and the actions of the characters, and can specify the output order.

When a plurality of combinations of utterance information and motion numbers are selected when generating the chat data, the chat data is generated for each set, and the specified output order is specified. , Or may generate and transmit one piece of chat data in which an output order flag is attached to each combination of the speech information and the motion number. The game system that has received the chat data to which the output flag is attached displays the screen while determining the output order flag. However, at this time,
As in the above embodiment, the display time of the utterance information is set to be equal to the time required for the operation. For example, according to the behavior pattern data 66 shown in FIG. 11, the statement information and the actions correspond one-to-one. In such a case, the corresponding utterance information is displayed for a period equal to the time required for each operation. Alternatively, when a plurality of operations are registered for one piece of utterance information, the one utterance information may be displayed until all the operations are completed, or the utterance information may be displayed after a certain period of time. May be terminated.

Also, during the execution of the chat, the player may be allowed to attach a plurality of motion numbers to the chat data per one transmission. At this time, the player may be able to specify the start timing of each operation and the display timing of the utterance information. In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the utterance information and the operation are simultaneously displayed and output. But,
It is not necessary to limit to this, for example, after displaying the utterance information, the corresponding character may perform an action, or after performing the action, display the utterance information, and the like. May be specified. In this way, it is possible for the player to specify the display timing of the utterance information, the operation start order, and the like. Several methods for specifying various outputs will be described below.

(1) Method of Dividing Statements According to the Number of Actions A method of determining the display timing of statement information by having the player set the breakpoint position of the statement information according to the designated number of actions. Will be described. In this method, the character display unit 214 divides the utterance information in accordance with the delimiter position of the utterance information specified by the player, and associates each piece of utterance information in association with each character motion in the utterance display area 6. Display sequentially. In addition, as a method of designating the break position of the utterance information, for example, a space or a special character is arranged between characters. That is, when a space or a specific special symbol is arranged in the utterance information, the character display unit 214 regards the position as a delimiter of the utterance information. Further, the time required for each operation is determined from the motion data of the specified operation, and the utterance information is sequentially switched and displayed. In this case, the execution order of the operations may be the order specified by the player, or the output order may be determined according to the input instruction of the player.

(2) Method of Specifying Output Order on Special Screen A method of specifying the output order on the special screen will be described. In this method, a screen (output order setting unit) for designating the output order is displayed, and the player determines a desired output order using a pointing device such as a mouse or a dedicated pen. Note that the output order setting unit displays on the screen when a transmission instruction is input by the player. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of the output order setting unit 7, which is displayed as a window on the display screen of the display unit 30. According to the figure, the output order setting unit 7 displays a time axis 70, a statement information arrangement area 72, a motion number arrangement area 74, a statement information icon 82, and an operation icon 80. The time axis 70 indicates that time elapses from left to right in the figure. The utterance information icon 82 is an icon on which utterance information input by the player is displayed, and the operation icon 80 is an operation icon selected by the player. The player arranges the utterance information icon 82 and the operation icon 80 in the utterance information arrangement area 72 and the motion number arrangement area 74 by, for example, a drag operation of a mouse or the like. specify.

The speech behavior setting section 212 determines the arrangement position of each icon with respect to the time axis 70 based on the output order setting section 7, and designates sequence information for designating the order of the display timing of the speech information and the start timing of the operation. Generate For example, in FIG.
The horizontal axis coordinate at the left end of is set to time t = 0. On the other hand, a time t = δt, which is a difference obtained by subtracting the horizontal coordinate of the left end of the operation icon 80 from the horizontal coordinate of the left end of the comment information icon 82, is calculated.
When generating chat data, t = δt
Is added to the utterance information as sequence information, and t = 0 is added to the motion number as sequence information. In this manner, by attaching the sequence information for specifying the output order to the chat data to be transmitted, the game system that is the recipient of the chat data can display the utterance information in the specified order, Can be controlled.

FIG. 12A shows an example in which the output order of the combination pattern of one utterance information and one motion number is set.
Can be used to specify the output order of a plurality of pieces of utterance information and actions. FIG. 12B shows the output order setting unit 7.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of specifying two types of utterance information and an output order of two types of operations. When generating sequence information in such a case, FIG.
As in the case described in (a), first, the horizontal coordinate of the left end of the operation icon 90 that is present on the leftmost side with respect to the time axis 70 is calculated, and this coordinate position is set to time t = 0. Then, the horizontal coordinate of the left end of each icon and the operation icon 9
The difference between the left end and the horizontal coordinate of 0 is calculated, and sequence information is generated based on each difference. That is, FIG.
As shown in (b), the sequence information of the statement information icon 92 is t = δt ₁ , the sequence information of the statement information icon 94 is t = δt ₂ , and the sequence information of the action icon 96 is t = δt ₃ . Further, it is of course possible to register a series of operations including the output order and the statement information as the statement pattern data 66.

(3) Method of Specifying Display Speed of Statement Information A method of specifying the display speed of statement information to a player will be described. According to this method, when displaying the utterance information in the utterance display area 6, the player does not display all the utterance information at once, but displays the utterance information one character at a time or an arbitrary number of characters at intervals. Can be specified. As a method of designating the display speed, for example, in the case where characters are displayed one by one at a fixed time interval, the desired portion is defined as being surrounded by a symbol. Alternatively, it may be defined so that the time from the display of one piece of utterance information to the display of the next utterance information is designated by a ￥ symbol or a ￥￥ symbol. Here, for example, the symbol ￥ is a symbol for designating a time interval of δT, and the symbol ￥￥ is a symbol for designating a time interval of 2 × δT. In this way, the special character or function key is associated with the command for specifying the display speed, and a command table storing the association is created. Then, in the comment information received from another game system,
When these special symbols and function keys are included, the corresponding command is read from the command table and displayed according to the command.

[0085] As a specific input example, in the case to be displayed at a certain time interval the "Hello!" One by one, the player is, at the time of input of character information, to enter "$ Hello! $" it by, can be displayed at a character by character time interval the "Hello!". Also, for example, if the player
Hello! When "＄" is input, the character display unit 214
Is displayed after waiting for the lapse of δT when displaying “n” after “ko”. Also, after "n" is displayed,
When displaying "ni", the display is performed after a lapse of 2xδT. As described above, by setting the display speed to be specifiable by using the special symbol, the player can express “between” which is an accent of the conversation, and can convey the nuance of words more easily. For example, during the execution of a chat, expressions such as a case where the user is thinking about the contents of a conversation or hesitation to a comment can be expressed in a more understandable manner.

(4) Method of Designating Display Mode of Statement Information The font used when displaying statement information in the statement display area 6,
A method for allowing a player to specify a color, a size, and the like will be described. Specifically, similar to the method of designating the display speed of the utterance information described in (3), special characters and function keys are stored in advance in association with various commands for changing fonts and colors. The statement information is displayed according to the stored data. As described above, since the player can specify the display mode, it is possible to display items and words to be emphasized during the chat in a more understandable manner.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation icon group 8 is displayed after an input is made in the character input area 4. However, the operation icon group 8 may be displayed when a given key is pressed. Further, for example, the operation icon group 8 may be always displayed at the edge of the screen or the like. In that case, the player can select an operation before performing character input. Alternatively, it is also possible to attach only the operation to the chat data and transmit it.

In the above-described embodiment, the input utterance information and motion number are transmitted only when a transmission instruction is input. When information is input or a motion number is selected, the input information may be transmitted in real time. In such a case, since the character information or the information of the motion number is transmitted in the input order, it is output in the input order. For example, after the character input area 4, "Hello!" Is input, if the operation of the bow by the operation icon group 8 (motion number) is input, character 1, after the remarks as "Hello!", Bowing will be performed.

In the above embodiment, the operation is selected from the operation icon group 8 by a pointing device such as a mouse. However, for example, the operation may be specified by character input (key input). good.
In this case, for example, a specific key (hereinafter, referred to as a registration symbol) and a motion number are stored in advance in association with each other. FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating an example of the key table 100 that stores a registration symbol and a motion number corresponding to the registration symbol. According to such a setting, when the player inputs a registration symbol, the verbal setting unit 212 in the present embodiment reads out the key table 100,
Determine the corresponding motion number. In this way, when the means for inputting the comment information and the means for selecting the motion number are executed by the same means,
An input rule for identifying each input content is required.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the input rule. That is, this is a method in which a registration symbol for designating a motion number and utterance information are separated by a space, and a motion number and utterance information are identified. FIG.
According to the (b), for example, it is input first is "+ b", is then space is input, furthermore, has been followed by "Hello!" Is input. In this case, the part before the space is regarded as a registration symbol, and the input after the space is regarded as speech information. When such an input is made, the game system 13
The game calculation unit 210 of 04-1 can read the key table 100 shown in FIG. 13A, read out the motion number corresponding to the input registration symbol, and store it in the temporary storage memory. Also, the character information of the portion regarded as the utterance information is stored in the temporary storage memory as the utterance information. Therefore, the corresponding character will be possible to perform an operation of the bow while saying "Hello!".

Alternatively, a combination of “+” and an alphabet in a character string input to the character input area 4 may be set to be regarded as a registered symbol. In that case,
There is no need to enter a space, and the registration symbol can be entered anywhere in the character string. In this case, if a registration symbol is input before (left) before the statement information, the character corresponding to the registered symbol is executed, and then the statement information is displayed. On the other hand, if a registration symbol is input after the utterance information (right), the utterance information is displayed, and then the action corresponding to the registration symbol is executed by the corresponding character. May be specified.

In the above-described embodiment, the player is allowed to select the content of the action to be executed by the player character independently of the input of the comment information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an action to be automatically executed by the corresponding character may be determined according to the content of the statement information. That is, in the present embodiment, motion data and motion numbers are stored in association with each other, but motion data and characters may be stored in association with each other. For example, "Hello", "Good morning", is stored in association with the character and the bow of the motion data of ... etc. Then, in the comment information received from the other game systems 1304-2-n,
"Hello", when the "good morning", that contains the word of ..., etc., reads the corresponding motion data, to perform the operations of the bow to the appropriate character. As described above, the automatic setting allows the player to execute a chat with an operation without requiring a troublesome operation.

In the case where the above-mentioned automatic setting is enabled, an icon or the like for designating whether or not to add a motion pattern of the character to the chat data is displayed, and the chat data is transmitted. In doing so, a configuration may be adopted in which the player selects whether or not motion is allowed. Alternatively, a setting may be made so that the player receiving the motion data can select whether or not to execute the motion.

Further, for example, a still image indicating an operation is displayed in the operation icon group 8, but an animation indicating the operation may be displayed so that the details of the operation can be understood specifically. .

Also, in the above embodiment, each game system 1304 has motion data 520
Is stored and the motion number is transmitted and received. For example, the server system 1302 stores the motion data 520, and the motion number transmitted from the game system 1304 is stored in the server system 1302.
May be received, and the server system 1302 may transmit the motion data 520 corresponding to the motion number to each game system 1304. Alternatively, each game system 1304 may directly transmit motion data to another game system.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that the utterance information is input by inputting a character into the character input area 4 with a keyboard. The list of the statement information may be stored in a list, displayed in a pull-down menu or the like, and a word may be input by selecting a player from the list. By storing the contents of remarks in advance, the player can transmit chat data more quickly. Further, an identification number may be added to the utterance information stored in advance, and the identification number may be transmitted and received.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that a word is input as a character and output as a character. However, for example, a voice may be input or a voice may be output. Alternatively, the size, color, typeface, and utterance display area 6 (speech balloon) of the character displayed in the utterance display area 6
Size, color, shape, etc. according to the character, or
It may be changed based on a position in the game space, an input instruction, or the like. Further, regarding the application of the present invention,
It goes without saying that the present invention may be applied not only to the chat as a part of the network game but also to the purpose of chatting.

[0098]

According to the present invention, it is possible to output a utterance when chatting and to make the character move, so that emotions, nuances and impressions that cannot be expressed only by words can be expressed by motion. Further, since the expression by the action is possible, for example, when players using different languages perform a chat, even if the words (characters) of the other party cannot be understood, each of the exchanged messages is The contents can be understood through the action of the character. Further, by registering a combination of the comment information and the content of the operation in advance, the chat data can be transmitted more quickly. Further, by setting so that the output timing of the action and the utterance information can be designated, the nuances of the words can be more easily conveyed to the chat partner.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional block according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of motion data.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a chat process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration that implements the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which operation icons are displayed on a window screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a condition correspondence table.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of speech pattern data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output order setting unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation input method by key input.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 operation unit 20 processing unit 210 game calculation unit 212 character operation unit 214 speech and behavior setting unit 230 image generation unit 30 display unit 40 communication unit 50 storage unit 510 game program 512 chat program 520 motion data

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A computer system that operates a player character and performs chatting via a network with another computer system that operates another player character by calculation and control by a processor. An input unit for inputting, an operation input unit for inputting an operation pattern of the player character, chat data including the utterance information input by the input unit, and the operation pattern input by the operation input unit, to the other Transmitting means for transmitting to a computer system; receiving means for receiving chat data transmitted from the other computer system; output means for outputting utterance information included in the chat data received by the receiving means; and receiving means Chat data received by Based on the operation pattern included, chat information for function and a operation means for operating the display the other player character. 2. The operation input according to claim 1, wherein information for causing the computer system to function as a selection method storage unit that stores the operation pattern and a given operation input in association with each other. And information for causing the means to function as if the given operation input was determined to be an input of a corresponding operation pattern. 3. The operation input according to claim 2, wherein information for causing the computer system to function a display object storage unit that stores the operation pattern and a given display object in association with each other; And information for causing the means to function as if it has been determined that the given display object has been selected and inputted, as a corresponding motion pattern input. 4. A chat according to claim 3, including information for causing said computer system to function as a means for displaying said display object, said means for changing and displaying according to given conditions. information. 5. The chat information as set forth in claim 2, wherein said operation input means functions to limit an operation pattern that can be selected according to a given condition. . 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the chat data is transmitted to the transmitting unit by including, in the chat data, sequence information indicating a procedure for outputting utterance information and an operation pattern. Information, the output of the utterance information by the output means to the computer system, and the operation display of the other player character by the operation means based on the sequence information included in the chat data received by the reception means. Means for controlling, information for functioning, and chat information including. 7. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein the computer system is configured to function as storage means for storing at least a series of speech patterns composed of three pieces of speech information, operation patterns, and sequence information. Information for causing the computer system to function as a verbal pattern selecting unit that selects a verbal pattern stored in the storage unit; and selecting the transmitting unit with the verbal pattern selecting unit. Transmitting chat data including the specified behavior pattern, and information for causing the chat data to function. 8. The sequence information according to claim 6, wherein the sequence information is information based on an input procedure of inputting utterance information by the input unit and inputting an operation pattern by the operation input unit. To chat information. 9. The information according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the input means has a function of inputting a given output control code while being included in utterance information. On the other hand, when a given output control code is included in the utterance information, information for functioning to change the output mode or / and output speed of the utterance information according to the output control code; Chat information including. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the output mode and / or the output speed of the utterance information are set to the output unit in accordance with an operation pattern included in the chat data received by the reception unit. Chat information, including information to change, function, and so on. 11. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the computer system analyzes the content of the utterance information included in the chat data received by the receiving unit, and analyzes the content based on an operation pattern corresponding to the content. Chat information including information for causing the means for displaying the movement of the other player character to function. 12. An information storage medium for storing chat information according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 13. A computer system for operating a player character and chatting with another computer system for operating another player character via a network, comprising: input means for inputting utterance information; Operation input means for inputting an operation pattern; transmission means for transmitting chat data including the utterance information input by the input means and the operation pattern input by the operation input means to the other computer system; Receiving means for receiving chat data transmitted from another computer system; output means for outputting utterance information included in the chat data received by the receiving means; and an operation pattern included in the chat data received by the receiving means Based on the other Computer system comprising an operating means for operating the display the Ya character, the. 14. A means for transmitting utterance information and the action code of the player character, a means for receiving given information, a means for outputting the received utterance information, and the other player character based on the received action information. And a server system connected via a given communication line, wherein a plurality of pieces of operation information are stored in association with the operation codes. A storage unit; a receiving unit that receives the utterance information and the operation code transmitted from the first computer system; and an operation information stored in the storage unit, the operation information corresponding to the received operation code. Extracting means for extracting motion information, and the motion information extracted by the extracting means, together with the statement information received by the receiving means, A transmission means for transmitting the data to the second computer system.